Jaguars send group to West Virginia Pro Day

Posted by Mike Wilkening on March 13, 2013, 9:03 PM EST

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The Jaguars have the No. 2 pick in April’s draft. And they would seem to be giving the impression of doing every bit of due diligence on West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, who’s regarded as the top passing prospect available.

The Jaguars are somewhat unsettled at quarterback. Blaine Gabbert has had a challenging first two NFL seasons, and the general manager who drafted him (Gene Smith) is gone. Moreover, Bradley will be Gabbert’s fourth head coach in his short pro career. Likewise, veteran Chad Henne is also a holdover from an old regime. In February, Caldwell told NFL.com that there would be “a wide-open competition” at quarterback.

With numerous needs and the QB uncertainty, the Jaguars could go any number of ways with that No. 2 pick. If they believe Geno Smith is the answer at the most important position on the field, taking him makes sense. That said, a trade down is logical, too — this is a new era in Jacksonville, and roster changes go hand-in-hand in these situations. And should the Jaguars deal down in Round One and pick up more picks … well, they need playmaking punch throughout the offense, and they will get a nice, in-person look at one Tavon Austin on Thursday.

Gabbert is still dealing with the forearm injury that put him on IR last season. He suffered nerve damage. Jags may just be covering their bets until they’re sure he is going to be completely recovered.

I remember the bellows and cries after we took Blackmon last year. And that kid is a STUD. All of you need to just sit back and take it. Geno will win offensive rookie of the year next year and all of you will go back to pretending like you liked the pick.